Calls intensify for World Bank to end factory farming financing

More than 30 civil society organisations have urged the World Bank Group to halt financing for industrial livestock production, warning that continued support for factory farming undermines climate goals, food security, and sustainable development.

The appeal comes amid coordinated global protests held across over 25 countries alongside the World Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC) Spring Meetings. Campaigners say public funds are still being directed toward large-scale industrial farming systems despite growing evidence of their environmental and social risks.

Activists argue that factory farming contributes significantly to climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and public health challenges. They insist that development finance should instead prioritise agroecology and smallholder-led food systems that are more sustainable and resilient.

Data cited by campaigners shows the World Bank Group invested about $1.4 billion in industrial livestock production between 2023 and 2024. Meanwhile, its private sector arm, the IFC, approved 38 investments worth nearly $2 billion between 2020 and 2025.

Sub-Saharan Africa has emerged as a major recipient of such funding, raising concerns about the long-term impact on rural livelihoods and ecosystems. Critics warn that these investments could deepen environmental degradation and weaken traditional farming systems that support most of the continent’s food production.

According to World Animal Protection (WAP), continued investment in factory farming risks sidelining smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of Africa’s food systems. The organisation argues that industrial livestock operations often concentrate wealth among a few large players while exposing communities to pollution and disease risks.

Sally Kahiu, WAP’s external affairs lead, emphasised the urgency of redirecting funding. She noted that Africa’s food future depends on strengthening small-scale farmers and protecting ecosystems, rather than expanding industrial farming models that threaten long-term sustainability.

The pressure on the World Bank comes at a critical time, as the institution plans to expand its agribusiness financing to about $9 billion annually by 2030. At the same time, the IFC is reviewing its environmental and social performance standards, a process campaigners say presents an opportunity to align investments with global climate and biodiversity targets.

Advocacy groups under the Stop Financing Factory Farming campaign are calling for clear policies to phase out support for industrial livestock operations and redirect funding toward sustainable alternatives. They argue that public finance should drive equitable development rather than contribute to environmental harm and social inequality.

The World Bank has previously defended its agricultural financing, stating that investments in livestock are aimed at improving food security, livelihoods, and sustainability. However, critics maintain that continued support for intensive farming contradicts the institution’s climate commitments and risks exacerbating global environmental challenges.

As global pressure mounts, campaigners say the decisions made in the coming years will be crucial in determining whether international development finance supports a transition to sustainable food systems or reinforces industrial farming practices.